Community Economic Development Initiative

Supporting First Nations and neighbouring municipalities who want to create a shared vision for joint economic development.

Many municipalities and First Nations want to collaborate as neighbours, but don’t know where to begin. Since 2012, this initiative has helped neighbouring municipalities and First Nations develop partnerships that establish and support their mutually beneficial economic development. Each community partnership promotes reconciliation and collaboration. They help coordinate local action to address regional issues and build a more sustainable economy for all.

This initiative is implemented jointly with Cando (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers).

Photo: City of Vernon/Sproing Creative

Featured resources

See featured resources, news, events and training related to Community Economic Development Initiative.

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First Nations-Municipal Newsletter

Are you interested in First Nations — municipal collaboration?

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First Nation-Municipal Land Use Planning Tool

Confused by the web of laws and policies surrounding joint land use planning? Our document will help you properly navigate them.

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Stronger Together: A Toolkit for First Nations-Municipal Community Economic Development Partnerships

The Stronger Together Toolkit offers step-by-step guidance on how First Nations and municipalities can find new ways to work together for mutual prosperity.

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First Nation–Municipal Funding Resources

First Nations and municipalities all across Canada have access to numerous funding resources to support their economic development projects.

Case study

CEDI Graduates: Enoch Cree Nation and the City of Edmonton

In 2016, Enoch Cree Nation and the City of Edmonton became partners with the support of the CEDI program, and began to foster mutual understanding, respect, and trust in order to achieve joint economic development initiatives.

Participating communities

Read about our CEDI partnerships and what they’ve accomplished.

Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation, the Municipality of the County of Antigonish and the Eastern-Straight Regional Enterprise Network

This partnership has the unique opportunity to be developing at the same time that Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation received confirmation of a major economic development opportunity with the highway Interchange project being approved, a development that will bring positive impacts to the entire region. These partners will participate in CEDI between 2016-2019.

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Okanagan Indian Band and City of Vernon

The Okanagan is a major tourist destination in BC, and Vernon is currently one of the only municipalities in the Okanagan that doesn't have a developed waterfront. Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) and City of Vernon have a unique opportunity to collaborate on land use planning and economic development of the neighbouring Sandy Beach/Kin Beach (waterfront area) in Vernon. OKIB and City of Vernon will participate in CEDI 2017 - 2020.

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Fort William First Nation and the City of Thunder Bay

This partnership is unique as it involves the Fort William First Nation and City of Thunder Bay councils, along with each community's economic development corporation. These partners will participate in CEDI between 2016-2019.

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Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs and the City of North Battleford

As the first Tribal Council – municipal partnership to participate in CEDI, Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC) and the City of North Battleford have brought many lessons, namely around multi-Nation representation, governance and jurisdiction. BATC and the City of North Battleford will participate in CEDI 2016 – 2019.

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Enoch Cree Nation and City of Edmonton

Enoch Cree Nation-City of Edmonton partnership represents the first CEDI partnership implemented in a large urban context. Enoch Cree Nation and the City of Edmonton are 2016-2019 participants.

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Treaty 20–Peterborough County

This partnership has taken a regional approach to First Nation-Municipal Collaboration, bringing two First Nations, two townships, a regional government, and an economic development corporation together. These partners will participate in CEDI between 2017–2020.

View case study

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Any questions?

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Partnering Organization

This program is funded by the Government of Canada and implemented in partnership with Cando (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers).